Auto Trader

Buying a new car is easy. But it could be the second biggest investment you ever make, so it pays to do everything you can to get the best possible deal.

We bring you the essential guide to buying a new motor.

Why buy new?

There are many advantages to buying a new car over a used one. You have the choice of any car you want with the exact specification you want. And you can’t beat that new car smell.

There's the opportunity to get consumer offers – cash back deals, free accessories and warranty, to give you peace of mind if something goes wrong.

There are tons of great deals to find, all you have to do is choose the best one for you.

Identify your needs

There’s a huge range of new car models to choose from. So where should you start?

Consider all your requirements. Ask yourself:

1. What will you use it for?
2. How long you expect to own it?
3. Are you looking for reliability?
4. How many miles do you plan to do?
5. Are you buying it for practicality, for fun, or perhaps a bit of both?
6. Do you want something luxurious or thrifty?
7. How much are you willing to spend? (include other costs such as insurance, tax, services and fuel)
8. What type of model and manufacturer are you leaning towards?

These questions will influence your purchasing decision and help reach a conclusion on what type of motor you choose to go for.

Choose the model

The next step is to find out as much as you can about the models which interest you.

• If you want to find a new car without the hassle of contacting various dealers, you can use our very own new car search to find it:

Auto Trader new car search

It’s simple and easy to use – just select the make and model to begin. You can also input a specific price, body style, doors, transmission and fuel type to narrow down the search results.

• For news, reviews and information on the best latest cars, visit our New Cars Page.

• Browse Auto Trader’s extensive database of car reviews (and What Car? reviews).
 
• Take a look at reader reviews on drivethedebate.co.uk, written by people who already own the model you’re after.

• Use our New Car Comparator to find out the best prices for the vehicle you're looking for.

If you're applying for a loan, shop around for the lowest rates.
Click here to get great rates on loans.

Phoning the dealer

Always confirm the details in the advert are correct. This could save you a wasted trip.

Make sure you ask:
• Is the delivery price included?
• How soon can the car be delivered?
• Is road tax included?
• Are registration fees included?

Visit the showroom

If you’re buying from a franchised dealer (who sells cars on behalf of a manufacturer), visit the showroom to view the car to make sure you’re happy with it.

It’s best to take a look at the car in the best conditions possible. Never view a car in the dark or the rain - they can hide defects in the bodywork.

Click here for our guide on How to Check a Car Before Buying.

The test drive

Always test drive a car before buying it – this will give you a feel for it and raise any concerns. For example, the car might not be big enough for your needs, or the engine noise could be unbearable.
 
Make sure you’re fully insured to drive the car, and take proof of this with you. Most dealers will let you drive with trade number plates, which should provide you with cover - but check this is the case.

• Drive on as many road surfaces as possible (e.g. tarmac, concrete, A roads and B roads) to make sure the ride is comfortable.
• Get a feel for the car – figure out its pros and cons, and how it will suit you.
• Use all the gears.
• Avoid being distracted by the dealer if he talks a lot or turns up the radio.
• Read our Test Drive Guide for more advice.

The haggle

There’s still plenty of room for negotiation on the price of a new car, and it’s always worth pushing for.

Why not try and get these extras thrown in?
• Metallic paint
• Protective coating for the paintwork and upholstery
• A good deal on finance (dealers often work on commission)
• A full tank of fuel – since new cars are often sold with very little fuel
• Floor mats and mudflaps

Dealers find it easier to sell cars in the new registration plate months of March and September. Therefore, it can be easier to get a deal in February and August - especially on models which are going to be replaced.

You may also be able to get a better deal towards the end of the month when salespeople are chasing their targets.

The paperwork

Make sure the registration on the vehicle tallies with the one in the logbook (V5C), as well as the vehicle identification number.

Don't forget to make sure you receive the correct manuals and the codes for the radio and keys, if applicable.

The payment

Get a receipt for any payment you make, especially if you’re paying cash.
Make sure both your copy and the dealer’s copies are signed.

What if it goes wrong?

If things go wrong with the deal – like the car not turning up or not being the exact model you wanted - protest at the earliest opportunity.

Follow the links below to contact a number of bodies who offer advice on action to take if you feel you’ve been hard done by.

Office of Fair Trading
SMMT Customer Relations Department
Retail Motor Industry Federation

Imports

There are certain makes and models of new cars not available in the UK – this is where an import may be the answer.

Importing can be carried out in a number of ways, for example:

• Buying a car from within the EU or the rest of the world.
• Carrying out the import yourself or using an import broker.
• A car available in the UK but its overseas model boasts added features or a lower price.

Auto Trader links

Buying advice
New Cars
Drive the Debate
New car search
DVLA V5C registration certificate
Car buyer’s legal rights
Number plates explained
New car reviews
What Car? reviews

How to buy a used car
How to haggle for a used car
Ten reasons why you need a car data check
Buying a car
Buying privately
Phoning the seller
Depreciation advice